EXPANSION OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS.

SEC. 104. EXPANSION OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS.(a) Expansion of Health Professional Scholarship Program.—Beginning in academic year 2022, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include not fewer than an additional (as compared to academic year 2021) 50 awards per academic year under the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program under subchapter II of chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, for applicants otherwise eligible for such program who are pursuing degrees or training in mental health disciplines, including advanced practice nursing (with a focus on mental health or substance use disorder), psychology, and social work. (b) Expansion of Education Debt Reduction Program.—(1) In general.—Beginning in fiscal year 2022, the Secretary shall provide not fewer than an additional (as compared to fiscal year 2021) 200 debt reduction awards per year under 136 STAT. 5501 the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, to be used to recruit mental health professionals to the Department of Veterans Affairs in disciplines that include psychiatry, psychology, advanced practice nursing (with a focus on mental health or substance use disorder), and social work. (2) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $8,000,000 per year to carry out the additional awards under paragraph (1). (c) Outreach.—(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a public awareness campaign to encourage veterans and mental health professionals to choose the Department for their mental health career. (2) Elements.—The campaign required under paragraph (1)—(A) shall advertise the paid trainee, scholarship, and loan repayment opportunities offered by the Department; and (B) may highlight the new graduate medical education residencies available at the Department for medical students entering residency.